Test Your Medical Abbreviation Skills - MCQ Quiz

Why is 'IU' used instead of just 'U' when prescribing units?

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Correct Incorrect IU stands for international unit and is clearer than a standalone 'U', which can be mistaken for zero or four. This reduces dosing errors and improves patient safety. The ISMP recommends using 'IU' rather than 'U'.

Why is 'IU' used instead of just 'U' when prescribing units?

To shorten prescription writing
Because it is Latin
To avoid misinterpretation of the letter 'U' as '0'
To indicate international usage

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